Jelly Shoes Are Summer 2024's Most Unexpected Footwear Trend
With Y2K and '90s nostalgia at an all-time high, it was only a matter of months before the jelly shoe was tapped as the next It shoe of the moment.
From Frye boots to platform wedge sandals, style has come full circle in recent months, especially when it comes to footwear. With generations young and old increasingly leaning towards looks popular in the '90s and early 2000s, the recent reign of the jelly shoe comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with peak Noughties trends.
While fashionable New York women and teens on TikTok have been experimenting with jelly shoes for several months now, celebrities and pop culture icons are starting to join in now that temperatures are rising and fun footwear has become a must.
Although Jennifer Lawrence has always been lauded for her unique style, in the past year, her fashion transformation has been heavily noted by the Internet. Favoring minimalistic, vintage-inspired looks, the Hunger Games actress seems to find herself on a new Pinterest mood board every time she sports a new, ultra-chic outfit on the streets of New York City. The most recent look to turn the Internet's attention her way? A playful, contemporary take on the nostalgic jelly shoe trend, with The Row's latest jelly flats front and center in the look.
While other styles of jelly shoes and jelly sandals have emerged in recent months, the fisherman-style sandals are a classic, as seen on celebrities and style icons like Taylor Swift, Kirsten Dunst, and Gigi Hadid.
In a late 2023 Instagram post celebrating the release of 1989 (Taylor's Version), the "Style" singer shared several snaps of her enjoying the beach and running free in a pair of classic blue jeans, a white top, and a surprising footwear choice—light purple jelly sandals. While the pop star's shoes certainly turned a few heads at first, the playful, nostalgic shoes fit right in with the feel of the dance-pop energy of the album, and given that the contemporary version is an homage to a past era of Swift's career and persona, the nostalgic shoe choice makes perfect sense.
Ready to join in on the Y2K-inspired shoe trend? Join L'OFFICIEL as we take a look at the trendiest jelly shoes, jelly sandals, and jelly flats that you'll be wearing all summer long.
Just days after Jennifer Lawrence's NYC street-style look went viral, The Row instantly sold out of the now-famous Mara Flats. In a stroke of luck for fans of the actress and jelly shoe aficionados, the luxury label vowed to restock the style, so if you're looking to snag a pair, be sure to sign up for the waitlist. Available in several different standout colors, these jelly flats are the perfect shoes for everyday outfits, whether you're taking an afternoon walk through the sunny streets of New York like the No Hard Feelings actress or enjoying a summer picnic with friends in the park. For the ultimate relaxed, warm-weather look, style your jelly shoes with a pair of breezy linen pants, your favorite ever-so-slightly oversized top, and a classic pair of sunglasses.
The Row Mara Flat, US$890
These aren't your average jelly shoes. If you're looking for a contemporary, elevated take on the popular vinyl shoe trend, opt for these sleek, elegant Alaïa slingbacks. Constructed from luxurious patent calf leather and shiny polyurethane, these flats offer an unabashedly chic take on the jelly shoe, perfect for every occasion, ranging from summer shopping trips with friends to long days in the office.
Alaïa Le Cœur Flat Slingbacks, US$1,250
Trying to achieve the classic jelly shoe look? Go totally Y2K with these transparent jelly fisherman sandal-style shoes. With a sturdy metallic clasp and flexible vinyl straps, you can rest assured knowing these jelly shoes are both functional and fashionable. Whether you wear them with your favorite pair of jeans or a flowy sundress á la the 2000s, you're sure to rep these nostalgic jelly shoes in style.
Ancient Greek Sandals Transparent Jelly Sandals, US$245
If you're looking to sport two footwear trends in one look, opt for these pared-back Ferragamo jelly ballet flats. With a minimalistic bow detail at the toe, contemporary cutouts at the sides of each shoe, and an understated kitten heel, these jelly shoes are 2024's take on the Y2K trend that will elevate your outfit on each and every wear.
Ferragamo Vara Jelly Ballet Flats, US$395
While these heeled sandals certainly aren't your average jelly shoes, they offer a mature, sultry take on the classic style. With semi-transparent vinyl straps and towering heels, they have the appearance of both an ultra-chic '90s-style sandal as well as a quintessential vinyl or polyurethane jelly shoe. Pair these with your favorite mini dress and shoulder bag for a vintage-inspired date night look or your favorite tailored trousers and a sophisticated pair of glasses for an equally chic office siren outfit.
Gianvito Rossi Red Elle Heeled Sandals, US$434
For the minimalistic nostalgic fashionista, these jelly flats are a must-have. Available in black or white, the overlayed lattice effect that makes up the body of the shoe offers a mesh-like effect, but offers a little bit of extra support, making it the perfect jelly shoe if you're on the hunt for a durable, everyday pair. Whether you dress them up or down or pair them with your favorite statement socks, these jelly shoes are sure to compliment each and every outfit in your wardrobe with ease.
Jeffrey Campbell Jelly Caged Slip-On Shoes, US$50
Be the first of your friends to pick up a pair of ultra-chic, contemporary jelly shoes from the limited edition Summer 2024 capsule collection, created in collaboration between innovative luxury house Marc Jacobs and beloved jelly shoe label Melissa. Available in several fetching hues, this sleek jelly flat is the answer to all of your summer shoe prayers. Comfortable, simple, and endlessly versatile, a pair of these jelly flats are a must-have for any serious footwear fan.
Melissa x Marc Jacobs Ruby Flat, US$150
Whether you know it as the thong sandal or the humble flip-flop, there's no doubt about the resurgence of this sandal style this season. From appearances on the runway to sightings on all of our favorite celebrities, the iconic style is back in a major way this summer. Staying on top of two trends at once, Tory Burch offers summer shoppers a jelly sandal in the form of a flip-flop. Constructed out of a Y2K-inspired transparent jelly vinyl, these sandals are the perfect pick for casual beach days, afternoon visits to your favorite rooftop pool, or morning jaunts to the farmer's market, and seem to seamlessly work themselves into every outfit combination in your wardrobe.
Tory Burch Mini Miller Jelly Sandals, US$98
